bvlenci

I don't go anywhere that requires something dressier than what I wear during the day, unless I've been invited to dinner at the embassy!

I usually bring two pairs, wear one, but they're all comfortable shoes (or sandals) for walking.

John

2

Pegontheroad

Two. Wear your walking shoes and pack a pair of sandals or dress shoes. Nobody cares what you're wearing.

nola77382

I take a carry-on sized suitcase and I still manage to get three pairs of shoes in it! I wear my biggest walking shoes on the plane. I pack a second pair of walking shoes, a pair of cute/dressyish flats, and flip flops for the hotel. I wear a lot of black and dark colors--the fun comes in the scarves and accessories.

When we were in Paris in 2012, even my super fashionable niece felt unfashionable. They just have an inate sense of style that is hard to imitate. But we didn't feel out of place or looked down-upon. Everyone we interacted with was pleasant; two restaurants even gave my husband free beer! We all loved Paris and look forward to going back.

flpab

I wear the heaviest pair. Take ballet flats and flip flops. I don't wear white tennis shoes. Boots or leather loafers normally.

Caliban

I hear rumors that they sell shoes in Europe. If you run out of shoes (hmm... that's an odd image), you could find a country where they sell them.

nytraveler

Depends on:

Your itinerary
How much walking you will do (we do miles every day)
the weather/time of year
How many nice dinners or special events you will do

My basic is 2 pairs of comfy waterproof walking shoes (or one shoes and one similar booties in the winter) and one pair of dress shoes for going out to dinner

If the trip is business and vacation together that becomes 4 - add another work/dress shoe

Caveat: I am not a carry-on packer unless it's just a 2/3 day turnaround - we always check a bag (not large - perhaps 24-25" for vacations or trips of more than 3 days).

griz_fan

above all else, dress for comfort and don't worry about sticking out as a tourist. For shoes, really put some effort into finding the most comfortable shoe you can. As an American living in the Western US, we are so reliant on our cars, we just don't walk much. When traveling in Europe, we did a LOT more walking, so it is easy to lose track of how important it is to wear comfortable shoes. I'm a big fan of trail running shoes. Often waterproof/resistant, these shoes can handle a lot of different terrain, such as the older streets you might find in some places.

IMDonehere

First, any time Cold is seen in public in something besides a bathrobe, he is considered dressed up.

Not to make you nuts MsWorthy but there are many indicators besides shoes that indicate you a tourist-hair, eyeglasses, belt, back pack, upside down map, guide book, the camera, general mien including sauntering along during a work day.

Thus, do not worry what others think, except keep your valuables safe, and dress the hell you please.

justineparis

I bring three pairs. Runners. Sandals . And some flats.

I travel for at least 3 weeks at a time normally.. and normally in summer so sandals are a must , but you won't need them for time of year you are going.

I think its pretty funny you compare Canadians in Quebec with meeting French people. They are not French. They are Canadians who speak French. Many have never been to france.. nor have their parents or grandparents.

The locals in Paris are often on their way to work or business meetings during the day.. so when you are at work or going to a business meeting do you wear runners and shorts normally.. I thought not.. when local Parisians go on holiday they often wear runners and shorts. I know this as I have relatives who live in and near Paris. and when we went on holiday with them they did not wear high heels and fur coats to go sightseeing either. People have such silly ideas about dressing like locals.. but they are not living the locals life.

suze

When is your trip? What time of year are we talking about?

I bring 3-4, 1 of them on my feet of course.

In summer that would be 1 pr of athletic sneakers, 2 pair of comfortable sandals, and flip flops (for beach, pool, slippers in the room).

In winter that would be athletic sneakers, low black boots, walking shoes (like Merrell mocs), and ballet flat style slippers for around the room in the evening.

No one in Europe cares what you wear. Seriously. Not to mention they where 'runners' too. No one is 'snotty' or 'prancing' (hopefully you're joking?).

di2315

If you're planning to do plenty of city walking, make sure your most comfortable walking shoes have a thick sole. I was surprised on my first trip to Europe just how uncomfortable cobble stones can be with my normal shoes I wear at home. I've learned that the most comfortable have generally been manufactured in Europe. Di

MsWorthy

Thank you for all the responses.

By the looks of it, I will be bringing 3 pairs of shoes - 1 pair of runners, 1 pair of bernie mev wedge shoes, 1 badgely mischka sandals for dinner.

Yes I know it is winter time, so maybe replace my runners with boots.